Real End of The Great War

(Prawdziwy koniec wielkiej wojny)


1957   >   psychological/ drama

A psychological drama showing the effects of the war through a personal tragedy. Post-war ruins can be rebuilt, but human tragedy can never be reversed, even after the tragedy-causing factor ceases to exist.

Juliusz Zborski is a concentration camp prisoner. His young wife, Róża, tries to make a new life for herself. She doesn’t believe that she will ever see her husband again. She commits herself to her supervisor, Professor Stęgień. She sees her mistake when Juliusz comes back home. Sick, extremely exhausted and mentally imbalanced after the terror of the camp, he acts like a complete stranger. His return complicates the lives of all the three characters. The relationship between Róża and the professor is not fair with respect to Juliusz, but he himself doesn’t want any pity, concern or interest enforced by his health. He comes to the conclusion that paradoxically his survival deprives his wife of a chance to live a normal life, his camp memories will never stop being a burden. He looks for the best solution, at least from his point of view, and commits suicide.


Crew:

director
Jerzy Kawalerowicz
script
Jerzy Zawieyski, Jerzy Kawalerowicz
d.o.p.
Jerzy Lipman
designer
Roman Mann
editor
Wiesława Otocka
music
Adam Walaciński
cast
Lucyna Winnicka, Janina Sokołowska,
Roland Głowacki, Andrzej Szalawski,
Olga Bielska, Helena Dąbrowska
Materials: SD
Length: 85’